I wish to raise the issue of hospitals not providing transport for patients on discharge. I have a patient who attended St. Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny. She had an irregular heartbeat and chest pains. She was discharged home. She was put into a taxi which cost €99. She had to pay it. The hospital has no transport. It is a huge concern. Previously she has gone to hospitals in Naas and Portlaoise, and when discharged, both hospitals supplied transport. Why is there not a standard charge for people who need the service? In this case, in the hospital the patient sat beside another patient who was receiving a hospital taxi and offered to share it. The hospital refused, saying it does not share taxis. This is a huge issue for people who have no transport. A man I know had a family member in hospital. He had to take a half-day off work, he was at the loss of the money, and there was no transport home.

I appreciate the Deputy raising this issue. I am not aware of the specifics of the case. Transport is not provided in every situation, but it can be provided in certain situations. I will alert the Minister to this and he will get back to the Deputy.